Commonwealth of Kentucky Launches Public Safety Network with Harris Stratex Networks
Jun 11, 2007 11:00:00 (ET)
RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C., June 11, 2007 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX/ -- The Commonwealth of Kentucky last week tested the first traffic on its new high- capacity, digital wireless information network designed to support public safety communications and a wide range of voice, video and data services. Harris Stratex Networks, Inc. (HSTX, Trade ), the leading independent supplier of turnkey wireless network solutions, is under contract to upgrade the Kentucky Emergency Warning System (KEWS), an analog microwave system. Funding in the amount of $28.3 million has been allocated since the contract was awarded in February 2006.
Built in 1976, KEWS, Kentucky's public safety network, is one of the country's largest and most successful state-wide networks for emergency services. Harris Stratex Networks designed and is constructing the IP-based network upgrade, which is based on the company's advanced, highly scalable TRuepoint(R) digital microwave radio system. Harris Stratex Networks' NetBoss(R) Service Assurance solution will manage service delivery and quality of service (QoS) on the network. The company is serving as systems integrator for the project, including site planning and the installation of all network facilities, equipment and technologies.
The new digital KEWS network will provide state-wide public safety communications interoperability, allowing agency personnel to communicate over a secure, highly survivable system that supports law enforcement agencies, fire fighters and other emergency service organizations. It will also enable state-wide mobile data solutions for the public sector and 911 interconnectivity of land-based and cellular phone environments.
"Public safety remains our top priority and this project is key and essential for the protection of life and property for every community in the Commonwealth. Upgrading the KEWS system allows us to use advanced, future- ready technologies to meet national and state Homeland Security objectives," said Alecia Webb-Edgington, executive director of the Kentucky Office of Homeland Security. "With this upgrade, KEWS will continue to be the cornerstone of our interoperability strategies by supplying a secure and redundant communication system and enable our public safety agencies to meet Governor Fletcher's charge of protecting the Commonwealth."
"Today we usher in a new era for our public safety agencies as we lay the foundation for their technology future. With Governor Fletcher championing this project, collaboration between state, local, and federal entities has been a success," said Mark Rutledge, Commissioner of Technology. "The digital network will allow us to provide our first responders with modern technologies and continue the Commonwealth's leadership position in public safety infrastructure".
"Harris Stratex Networks is proud to provide its technology and expertise to fulfill the Commonwealth's requirement-building a highly survivable, statewide communications network," said Jayne Leighton, vice president, North American Sales and Services, Harris Stratex Networks. "Our TRuepoint(R) product family meets today's connectivity needs, with an eye on future network requirements and services. The Commonwealth is a perfect example of how a high-bandwidth microwave backbone can easily connect geographically dispersed agencies and infrastructure. This solution greatly benefits the Kentucky agencies most critical to the public's safety and security, and offers a wide range of benefits to other state organizations and programs."
The network is based on Harris Stratex Networks' TRuepoint(R) digital microwave radio family, a highly versatile, scalable platform ideally suited for Kentucky's transport requirements. TRuepoint(R) is capable of carrying both TDM and IP traffic simultaneously, enabling easy migration of TDM networks to IP, and the addition of new bandwidth-intensive IP-based services, including mobile data traffic and video, as the network evolves.
The NetBoss system will provide continuous oversight and management of the statewide microwave radio elements, and monitor all environmental and site alarms, a function essential to the 24/7 operation of the emergency system. KEWS personnel will be able to manage every aspect of the network-from the advanced IP/MPLS backbone, to the wireless communications equipment, environmental elements and contact closures-from a single location. |
